Josh Cribbs Feels ‘Trapped’ In Cleveland Browns Offense

Oct 28, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Cleveland won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Cleveland Browns wide receiver/return specialist Josh Cribbs has the ability to be one of the NFL’s most dynamic play makers, but the Browns offense has kept Cribbs from showing his talents this season.

When speaking with The Plain Dealer, Cribbs expressed his frustration with his current role in the Cleveland offense.

“I feel like I’m trapped,” Cribbs said. “I feel like a caged athlete.”

On the offensive side of the ball this season, Cribbs has just 8 touches for 62 yards. It’s not the type of production that the speedster is used to having and he doesn’t understand why he hasn’t been fed the ball more.

“Me going from being able to run the wildcat, to playing receiver last season and catching 41 passes and four touchdowns to nothing — I can’t believe it,” said Cribbs. “By me not playing, I feel like they think I’m not good, that I’ve lost it. But I haven’t. I feel when I’m out there I can contribute, but I’m not able to.”

Cribbs is in a contract year but doesn’t sound like a player who plans to talk to the team about a new deal.

“There’s no point,” he said. “Obviously they feel like everybody that’s in front of me is a better athlete. I disagree. I feel a different way than the coach feels about me. They must feel I can’t produce. We have a difference of opinion.”

Cribbs says it is hard to lose so often and it makes it difficult to watch game film. But even with his frustration in Cleveland, Cribbs is committed to the Browns fans and says they are the reason that he hopes to stay in Cleveland for the remainder of his career.

“It’s because of these fans,” he said. “I’m going to try to stay here. If Mr. (Jimmy) Haslam will have me, I’ll stay. If not, I’m sure I’ll be playing football somewhere else.”